The Best Home Security Systems With Google Home

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If you’re in the Google smart home ecosystem, then you’ll probably want to use your trusted voice assistant to control your home’s security. Let’s face it: we’re all busier than we want to be and we all spend too much time on our phones, so the ability to command an electronic component using your voice alone is truly a blessing. Not only do all of the home security systems on this list work with Google Home, but I’ve tested them all out to make sure they’re up to snuff when it comes to system components, installation, monitoring options, customer support, and mobile applications. Let’s get started!

Editor’s Pick

abode iota

abode iota

Consisting of only three components, the iota security system from abode gives you the most options in terms of monitoring, installation and smart platform integrations.

Editor’s Pick

abode iota System Components

abode iota

A former ADT executive founded abode, saying he wanted to create a security system that gives the customer full reign. He definitely succeeded with the abode iota, which offers DIY or professional installation, 24/7, on-demand or self-monitoring, plus a ton of smart platform integrations.

Pros: Not only does the abode iota work with Google Home, but it also works with Amazon Alexa, Nest, Philips Hue lightbulbs, ecobee, LIFX, Yale, Kwikset, First Alert Z-wave, andIFTTT, allowing for a ton of home automation. The company gives you a monthly 24/7 professional monitoring option, and even on-demand professional monitoring for three days or a week! Plus, you can install the system yourself or use HelloTech, which has a partnership with abode.

Best Budget Option

Point Smart Alarm and Minut Box

Minut

If you’re looking for the latest in home security, Minut is definitely a system you should consider. With one component, the Point: Smart Home Alarm, namely, you can detect motion, glass breaking, temperature, humidity, noise, light, and even mold, plus smart sound recognition for your existing smoke and CO detectors.

Pros: You’ll be able to self-monitor your system through the highly-rated iOS or Android app, which means that there are no monthly or yearly fees whatsoever. Since the Point is just one component, all you have to do is plop it on a surface and plug it in, or mount it on a wall if you prefer. With a charging cable, you’ll never have to worry about replacing the batteries.

Cons: Minut doesn’t offer 24/7 professional monitoring or cellular backup. That means that you’ll be totally responsible for your home’s security, and the system will shut off if your power goes out.

Best With No Long Term Contracts

ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

If commitment’s not your thing, then ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit is a great option. They offer month-to-month contracting so you can get 24/7 professional monitoring without any long term commitment.

Pros: I like that the ADT Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit gives you the option to self-monitor or pay monthly for 24/7 professional monitoring. Cellular backup is included with the panel, meaning the system will stay on even in a blackout. Also, this system has tons of smart platform integrations aside from Google Home, including Amazon Alexa, plus smart home products from companies like SmartThings, Philips Hue, Leviton, Arlo, Ring, Yale, Sylvania, Cree, iHome, GE, Schlage ,Kwikset, etc.

Cons: If you’re an iPhone user, you may not love the SmartThings app, which has a low, 2.9 rating. Also, the company’s customer support team isn’t the best, unlike a more established company like Frontpoint.

Best With Backup Included

Brinks Indoor Camera Closeup

Brinks

There’s nothing worse than losing power, especially if you’re concerned about home invasions. Fortunately, all Brinks home security systems come with cellular backup completely free, ensuring that your systems stays on even if your power doesn’t.

Pros: Brinks offers easy, DIY installation, with phone support for free! It works with Google Assistant, making it an ideal choice for those in the Google smart home ecosystem. Plus, professional monitoring isn’t required, but is available for a reasonable monthly fee. You’ll control your Brinks home security system through the Alarm.com app, highly rated for both iOS and Android.

Cons: Unfortunately, Brinks locks you into three year monitoring contracts after the first 30 days, so make sure you’re ready for a commitment. Also, if you end up wanting to return Brinks for whatever reason, you might have to pay a 20% restocking fee if it’s used or out of it’s package.

Pros: Nest gives you the option of 24/7 professional monitoring through Brinks Home Security for either a year or a month, if you want flexibility. Cellular backup is also included with monitoring, which I highly recommend. Aside from working with Google Home, the system also works with Yale locks, Philips Hue lightbulbs, LIFX smart bulbs, and the brand Kasa.

Cons: Nest is known for being really expensive, from their cloud storage to the equipment itself. Also, iPhone users might want to avoid Nest Secure, as the Nest app only has a 2.1 rating from the Apple store.

Best Home Security Systems With Google Home Methodology

When it comes to smart home security, there are a few things that I typically look at, including:

System components: I prefer security systems with motion, entry, and glass break sensors, plus security cameras for both the indoors and the outdoors, unless you live in an apartment.

Installation: Most smart security systems today are built for DIY installation, so they’re usually pretty simple to set up. Occasionally a company like Vivint will require professional installation, but they are the only one I’ve seen that does. Of course, you can always hire an outside contractor to install your system for you if you prefer.

Professional monitoring: Now, not everyone is going to want 24/7 professional monitoring, although I always recommend it. I prefer companies that offer flexible, monthly contracting for a low price, as well as giving you the option to self-monitor.

Customer support: If something goes wrong with your security system, you want to make sure that you have a team that’s knowledgeable and easy to reach. Aside from incorporating my own experiences, I also look at customer reviews from both Amazon and Google to see what other people thought.

App: Especially if you’re self-monitoring, you want an app that’s user friendly for either iPhone or Android, depending on the make of your mobile application. I always check customer reviews on the Apple and Google Play stores, aside from testing the app out myself.

Best Home Security Systems With Google Home Tips

Here are some best practices for your home security system with Google Home:

Make sure your security system can’t be disarmed through voice commands, as this is really dangerous if there’s an intruder.

For the most convenience, it’s best to get connected devices from one brand, or as few brands as possible, so you don’t have to deal with multiple applications.

If you have a landline, you should be taking advantage of that and looking for a security system with landline backup, as that is even better than cellular backup.

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Gabe Turner is an attorney and journalist with a passion for home tech and secure, efficient living. Since graduating from NYU Law, he has maintained a paradoxical existence of trying to live life adventurously while remaining staunchly risk-averse. He is torn by the dual desires of wanting to only be in Brooklyn writing about housing policy and smart home tech and aspiring to visit his friends scattered across the globe. Gabe believes that stable, safe communities are the cornerstone to a vibrant and healthy society, and it is this passion that brought him to contribute to Security Baron.